Pitchforks: 3/5
William Claypool’s new novel “Windfall Nights” takes the reader into the mind of an aspiring journalist named Julian. While the story offers relatable themes, it falls short of inducing sympathy for the protagonist and the characters he encounters.
While temporarily working as a hotel bellman, Julian meets the hotel’s handyman and distinguished piano player Thomas, which leads to a surprising connection and a lifelong friendship.
Julian takes an unexpected interest in Thomas’s rough past and later learns from his mother Margery that the man suffers from constant anxiety in addition to bipolar disorder.
Toward the end of the novel, Thomas is drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, leaving Julian to wonder the fate of his unstable friend or if they will ever be able to reconnect.
Claypool initially piques the reader’s curiosity by giving various glimpses at the constantly changing behavior and mood swings of Thomas.
He also captures Julian’s confusion and awe as the two characters engage in a conversation where Thomas reveals another story about his childhood and fighting internal demons.
Margery’s phone calls with Julian about her concern for Thomas touches on the underlying sense of family protection and the inevitable anxiety a mother will have for her children.
Quite opposite to Julian, Thomas opens up quickly, which is surprising considering he is originally described as closed off and introverted.
Because Thomas shares details of his past so quickly, the initial fascination fades.
Although Julian’s interest in his friend is evident, he seems to lack sympathy and reacts to Thomas’ story in a robotic fashion. Only at the end does Julian demonstrate care, which makes him the sole character that develops in any way.
“Windfall Nights” is an easy-read book that entails cliché foreshadowing of whom the story will be focused on. The book lacks an interesting enough setting which makes it difficult to delve into the plot.
Though the book has its shortcomings, Claypool makes Thomas an easily relatable character. When he’s happy, nothing can bring him down. When he’s down, he might never recover.
This coming-of-age story teaches valuing what is good in life and not letting mistakes or misfortunes become setbacks.
However, “Windfall Nights” would be more captivating if the novel showed the struggles of each character rather than blatantly stating them.
Reach the reporter at mkthomp5@asu.edu
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